Online Backup and Storage…You Know You Need It.
We know we should backup our files…normally, we don’t. We know we’d like to have online access to our files…normally, we don’t. You want to share files with geographically dispersed publishers, agents, critique groups, and friends…normally, this is a hassle. Yes, email can work, but if the file is large, or a PDF, or something other than a word document, and/or if the recipient doesn’t have broadband, email may not work so well. There is an easy way to combine all these needs into one solution. Online backup and storage.
There are several online solutions. One is a home server. Still kinda pricey and, though more user friendly than in the past, can be a challenge to setup and maintain. Additionally, there it sits in your home, a candidate for theft, flood, fire, electrical surges, you name it.
A simpler, maybe more elegant, less expensive solution is online storage companies. Most cost a few bucks per month—but way less than a home server, at least initially. However, most also offer at least one gigabyte of free storage…enough for those important documents…like your WIP and more mundane stuff like wills, one of a kind photos, and health care directives—You do have a health care directive, right?
Digression: If you’re in an accident, and need your health care directive, having it locked in the closet at home isn’t helpful. Most of us don’t drive around with it in the lock box. Online, it can be accessed by the hospital and immediately put to work. This is true anywhere, but especially true if you’re traveling.
Here’s a website that seemingly reviews about everything in the computer-related world, Top Ten Reviews. (Look around while there, you may find something reviewed in which you have an interest.) The link takes you to their review of online storage companies. Some reviews have a video and a written review, others just a write-up. Importantly, the companies are individually discussed, compared side-by-side, and ranked. You can see who’s the best, the least best, and everyone in between.
I’ve tried the number one and number two rated companies.
- The best in show, Sugarsync requires download of some software, but is very slick and works smoothly. It offers 2GB of free storage, the appeal of being the best, and comes within pennies of being the cheapest. Hard to find that combo. They also offer a discount if you pay in advance. A nice feature.
- Boxnet is web driven (no special software), is more expensive, and offers 1 GB of free storage. I didn’t see a discount offer. It too, seems to work fine.
Here are a couple of review snippets for both
SugarSync is a spectacular online storage service. Combining powerful features, valuable plans, and overall versatility, SugarSync earns our “TopTenREVIEWS Gold Award” as the best online storage solution available.
The basic utility of SugarSync is simple but powerful. You simply determine which files and folders you want to sync, and SugarSync does the rest. The files are securely stored online, and you can easily remotely access the files on your other computers (PC and Mac), … or any computer with a web browser. SugarSync also enables you to share your files with friends, coworkers, or whoever you want, and only who you want.
SugarSync is indeed a secure online storage and sharing solution. During the transfer/sync process of uploading and downloading files, SugarSync utilizes SSL (secure socket layer) encryption. And while the files are being stored on secure servers, SugarSync keeps them protected with 128-bit AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) encryption. Furthermore, their servers are backed up redundantly in multiple data centers.
Your account and personal access webpage are password protected. You can even require that others who you allow access to the files via an emailed link have to input a special access code.
Box.net has a fast, user–friendly interface that allows you to upload, organize and store your files in no time. Additionally, this is one of the only award–winning Internet storage services that received a perfect score in security. However, the subscriptions options don’t compare to, the #1 service, SugarSync. With Box.net, 5 GB is $4.99 a month. KINDLEY ADDS: SS is 30 GB for the same price.
Box.net has standout features that will help you share files securely with friends, family and others—regardless of where they are. You can create a web address for a folder and then send the link by email from the application. You can also add a password to the folder so only those with the password can access the files.
If you want a secure, easy–to–use online storage service with a lot of practical features and don’t need a lot storage space, Box.net is for you. You can get 1 GB of storage and try this service free
You might want to try the free offer from both and go from there. Please note, SugarSync’s free download page is a bit difficult to find, (I’m certain they didn’t do this purposely.) so I dug up the link to get you to the signup page and posted it below. It’s plain text, and reads…
“2 GB of SugarSync Free. Not a trial, a Free account with no set-up fee, no credit cards, no monthly payment. Learn More Sign up for 2GB Free Plan.”
So, there you go. Hand delivered, reviewed, FREE stuff placed loving in your lap. We aim to please here on Imagineering Fiction.
ADDENDUM: It occurs to me that Windows Live also offers online storage for free, 25 GB actually, Wow. That’s a deal. Here’s a blurb. I’m nt certain of the security aspects of this program however. That is, it may not be encrypted. As the Top Ten Review shows, all sites can get you online storage, all are not, however, created equal.
Themocracy
Online storage has always really interested me. My husband is a systems admin for a corporation (computer guy) and so we have a server to send stuff up to, and a big exterior hard drive to back things up on….but this seems like a pain to me (my impatience again.) I usually end up emailing text files to my Gmail account for backup, but we have music, pictures, etc. that it would be great to backup online. Thanks for the tips!
Elizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder
I email stuff to myself, too. Also, I think my ISP (Cox Cable) just started offering free online storage. I guess I should check into that.
Thanks for reminding me to get busy on it.
I know I need to do something about this. An annoying little box keeps popping up on my computer screen telling me I’ve used up all my online storage. Didn’t even know I had any in the first place.
Karen
I backup onto discs or email to myself. However more is better. More is really better. Having just dodged the bullet, I’m very aware of the situation. Duck and cover is not a good solution. Thanks again, Galen!
When I lost some work I bought a back up external HD. I probably should also look into online storage. Thanks for the info.
Backing up / storing data online has become a common practice these days. Internet technology has come a long way … now you can easily backup your important files to a remote location in the comfort of your office or home.
While researching online backup services, I came across a monthly recommended top 75 online backup companies here:
http://www.backupreview.info (listed at the left column)
Yes, online backup is efficient and reliable way of backing up your data.
Also, the above same site has reviewed a number of online backup companies, here:
http://www.backupreview.info/category/our-reviews/
Yeah I need to take heed of this. Online storage is a good thing for sure, and thanks for the links.
The Old Silly
I’ve had online storage (thanks to my husband) for several years now with Carbonite, which was towards the bottom of the list you mentioned but I can only say good things about them. About a year ago, my computer made a popping noise and then went black and could not be revived. Of course, that was soon after I had made some very ‘brilliant’ manuscript changes. Thanks to Carbonite, I was up and running with the very latest changes to my manuscript within hours of purchasing a new computer. I lost nothing -not one photo or music file. Thanks to them I still have my sanity (such as it is)!
Microsoft has free online storage service called Office Live Workspace. It offers 5GB of storage space for a wide range of file types, and can plug into MSFT Office if you use that Office suite, or it can be used all by itself, even on a Mac.
Cheers,
Jeff
MSFT Office Live Outreach
http://workspace.officelive.com/en-us/
A computer guy husband that can do servers is a real advantage, Elizabeth. Still anything in your house is susceptible to theft or damage. But, a server is a great idea.
Another good option, Alan. If your ISP offers it free…take it. Do be alert for security issues, though.
Yeah, Elspeth, I do bet you’re especially tuned into this problem.
External hard drive backup is good, Carolyn Very good. But remember, anything in your home is subject to loss.
Oh, Jane, great for you…you’re a testament to how valuable this service can be and how easy it is to use. Great, glad to see it. You, of course, have my “Enduring Admiration.”
Well, Jeff, I’ll assume you’re a real guy, and not a spammer. If so, thanks for the reminder, though we did cover that option in the article, I believe. If we’re talking the same service, I’m thinking it’s 25 MB of free stuff.
And, JoAnne, assuming you’re a real person, too…thanks for stopping in and thanks for the links. We appreicate your input and suggestions.
Thanks to you all for stopping by, Galen
Not sure what that warning box might be, Karen.
Man, I really need to do something like this. My computer is a disaster waiting to happen. You’ve inspired me again. I think I’ll go back up some stuff.
I just use an external hardrive. I tried Mozy, but couldn’t get it to work right.